01 n. sing. & pl. An animal, in general.
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1.
An animal, in general.[Obs.]“Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and vermin, and worms, and fowls.” — Acts x. 12. (Geneva Bible).“This crocodile is a mischievous fourfooted beast, a dangerous vermin, used to both elements.” — Holland.
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2.
A noxious or mischievous animal; especially, noxious little animals or insects, collectively, as squirrels, rats, mice, worms, flies, lice, bugs, etc.“Great injuries these vermin, mice and rats, do in the field.” — Mortimer.“They disdain such vermin when the mighty boar of the forest . . . is before them.” — Burke.
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3.
Hence, in contempt, noxious human beings.“You are my prisoners, base vermin.” — Hudibras.